Pettine's Eleven
Andy Herman takes a look at eleven specific players on the Packers' roster that Mike Pettine could use to create the ultimate amoeba defense.
By AndyHerman
Versatility. Whether it’s an NBA defense that wants its players to guard all five positions, or a soccer team that wants players who can seamlessly transition between offense, midfield, and defense, or whether it’s a player like Shohei Ohtani in baseball who can both pitch and hit for power. Versatility is the name of the game in pretty much every major sport.
In football we of course see it all the time. We see it with offensive linemen who can play tackle and guard, tight ends who can play h-back and fullback, or running backs who can split out wide and play as well as or better than some receivers. We could go on and on here, but you get the point, versatility is becoming increasingly important everywhere you look.
So what if the Packers built a defense that was based almost entirely on the unique versatility of the players that they assembled? Today I take a look at a group of eleven players that could give Mike Pettine almost endless possibilities on defense, and could theoretically matchup with almost any opposing formation that an offense may put on the field. That type of versatility would give Mike Pettine a true weapon, to the point where he wouldn’t even necessarily need to worry about what formation the opposing offense was putting on the field.
Let’s start by taking the look at the players, and their potential positions:
- Jaire Alexander – Cornerback
- Kyler Fackrell – Edge | Outside Linebacker | Inside Linebacker
- Rashan Gary – Defensive Tackle | Edge | Outside Linebacker
- Kenny Clark – Defensive Tackle | Nose Tackle
- Za’Darius Smith – Defensive Tackle | Edge | Outside Linebacker
- Preston Smith – Edge | Outside Linebacker
- Tramon Williams – Cornerback | Safety
- Blake Martinez – Inside Linebacker
- Darnell Savage – Safety | Slot Corner
- Adrian Amos – Safety | Hybrid Safety/Linebacker
- Raven Greene – Safety | Hybrid Safety/Linebacker
With those players and their versatility in mind, let’s take a look at the different formations that Mike Pettine could run, just using those 11 specific players:
1-5-5
1-5-5
97
23 51 52 50 55 91 26 3836 31
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 27, 2019
3-4
34
52 97 55
23 51 50 36 91 3826 31
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 27, 2019
4-3
43
52 97 55 91
23 51 50 36 3826 31
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 27, 2019
3-3-5
3-3-5
52 97 55
23 51 50 91 26 3826 31
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 27, 2019
5-2
52
51 52 95 55 91
23 50 36 3826 31
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 27, 2019
Nickel
Nickel
97 55
23 52 51 50 91 26 3836 31
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 27, 2019
5-3-3
5-3-3
51 52 97 55 91
23 31 50 36 3826
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 27, 2019
2-5-4
2-5-4
97 55
23 91 51 50 36 52 3826 31
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 27, 2019
46
46
51 50 52 97 55 91
23 36 38
3126
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 27, 2019
Double A-Gap
Double A-Gap
52 97 55 91
23 51 50 26 3836 31
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 27, 2019
Using these specific players would give Mike Pettine nearly endless possibilities. The truth is, even within these ten specific formations, most of the players could be moved all around to different sides of the field to create better matchups for the defense. This is legitimately just the tip of the iceberg.
And better yet, if injuries hit, they have the ability to replace some of these players already. Ibraheim Campbell could take the place of Raven Greene. Kevin King could easily replace either of the cornerbacks, same goes for Tony Brown. Montravius Adams to a lesser extent could take on that Kenny Clark role and Curtis Bolton or Oren Burks could fill in for Martinez. Any injuries to the outside linebackers would be hard to replace, but overall they have a lot of the depth they need to fill in should injuries happen.
This isn’t to say that Green Bay could use this same idea throughout the entirety of a game. Of course they are going to need to use their depth to their advantage, and there are situations that are going to call for true big men up front. There will also be times where they need six or seven defensive backs in order to matchup. But should an opposing offense come out with players of their own that have a ton of versatility, Mike Pettine and this defense have the ability to matchup with just about anyone, and not tip their hand in doing so.
How Mike Pettine utilizes all these new toys is going to be one of the more fascinating things to watch as this season goes on; and arguably one of the best matchups to open the season is going to be Matt Nagy vs. Mike Pettine, both coming off an entire offseason to think up some of their best stuff for week one. Bears/Packers can’t get here soon enough.
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__________________________
Andy is a graduate of UW-Oshkosh and owns & operates the Pack-A-Day Podcast. Andy has taken multiple courses in NFL scouting and is an Editor for Packer Report. Andy grew up in Green Bay and is a lifelong season ticket holder - follow him on Twitter @AndyHermanNFL!
__________________________
Comments (77)
RCPackerFan
August 27, 2019 at 09:41 am
To add to the list of versatile players that could move around there are a few more that could be moved to help create different looks.
First is Josh Jackson. While he is a CB, he also could play S. Or the Slot CB/S that they have been using.
Campbell you noted but he could be a Safety, a hybrid S/ILB. I thought resigning him was a great move. It creates much better depth but also gives them some more options for creating different looks.
Keke Kingsley is a very intriguing player. He is a DE, but he can play anywhere along the DL and honestly could probably stand up and be an Edge player as well. He is a guy that has surprised me and could be a really good rotational player that can help Pettine create different looks.
Natrell Jamerson may or may not make the 53. But if he does he is a guy who can play CB or S. He has the versatility that you really look for especially for the bottom of the roster.
I'm very excited to see what Pettine does this year. I have a feeling he has some big things up his sleeve for the first couple of games.
I do agree that the battle between Nagy and Pettine is going to be one of the biggest matchup's in the game. It may decide the game quite honestly.
I can't wait!
Tundraboy
August 27, 2019 at 09:48 am
Me either!
Leatherhead
August 27, 2019 at 10:18 am
I think we have 4 corners plus Tramon on the gameday roster and one more on the 53.
Alexander, King, Jackson, and Brown. That's a good group. I'm not sure who the last guy on the 53 will be. I'd keep another one on the PS.
My gut says Sullivan, but we'll know soon.
Coldworld
August 27, 2019 at 12:39 pm
If he is healthy, there is no way Hollman isn’t making this roster.
jannesbjornson
August 27, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Hollman to the 53. Montravious is the base 3 tech in the 3-4 and will rush as a DE in some packages. I'm putting some Vegas cash on him to be a player to watch.
greengold
August 27, 2019 at 02:22 pm
Totally agree on Hollman. That kid impressed the hell outta me.
I am somewhat surprised by the recent adds at CB, but maybe this is more about the 4th S spot than anything else. Another CB we have under contract that impressed is Kabion Ento. Man, was he skying in coverage, and he's got some good speed.
Sullivan has looked good, made some plays, but, I like both Hollman and Ento far better.
fthisJack
August 27, 2019 at 09:11 pm
i agree. Ento looked very good before he got hurt. Sullivan made some big plays but he got beat on a number of them also. Hollman has to be on the 53. Ento and Sullivan PS if they clear waivers.
dobber
August 28, 2019 at 07:56 am
Sullivan has showed well enough in PS games and has NFL experience with the Eagles...I think he gets signed to the 53 of some team that's hurting for CB depth. There are lots of those.
Lombardi Trophy
August 27, 2019 at 10:52 am
Great point on considering Jackson at S. He seems a lot more comfortable in zone and with his ball skills, safety might be the perfect spot.
A couple of recent examples where that switch worked out well: Micah Hyde and Damarious Randall. I'd hate to see Jackson go to another team and thrive at safety after struggling at CB.
kevgk
August 27, 2019 at 12:22 pm
I wouldnt go so far as making him play safety, he is still better suited to be closer to receivers, even if playing zone in a cover 3 or cover 4. Rather use Amos, Savage, or even Tramon, as someone with more natural closing ability to play deep. Jackson has been used to cover TEs in man coverage, but that alone doesn't make him a safety.
jannesbjornson
August 27, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Combo zones, quarters and slot CB for Jackson.
fthisJack
August 27, 2019 at 09:13 pm
Jackson is not a S. don't wreck him by trying to make him one. be patient and he is strictly a CB. outside or in the slot yet to be determined.
dobber
August 28, 2019 at 07:58 am
Agreed in that it's still way too early to say he can't be a press corner. CBs who can play are way too valuable in this league to not be sure on him before making a position switch.
Coldworld
August 28, 2019 at 09:13 am
Looked darn good last week. Excited to have him back
greengold
August 28, 2019 at 10:11 am
Yeah. I love Josh Jackson’s instincts. That’s something that cannot be taught. What CAN be taught is press coverage techniques to a talented CB who had nothing but zone coverage experience in college.
I anticipate Josh Jackson making an enormous impact on our defense this year, as well as our TO differential. The guy is a turnover machine with great ball skills.
Not a speed guy, but plays faster than his 40, like many... Micah Hyde? Yeah, he rings that bell.
Really looking forward to seeing Josh Jackson in his year 2 with GB.
Cubbygold
August 27, 2019 at 09:49 am
In order to outsmart opponents, you have to have skill and intelligence. I hope the rookies and second year guys can mentally handle a more complex system and won't limit what Pettine wants to do.
Leatherhead
August 27, 2019 at 10:16 am
I think all 11 of those guys will get quite a few snaps, plus Brown and Jackson and King.
At least 5 secondary guys on the field, and 5 or 6 front end defenders. In rotations, to keep guys fresh for the 4th quarter.
I like this roster. I think this is the best defensive roster we've had since Woodson and Collins were here.
Rossonero
August 27, 2019 at 10:29 am
Your last comment: agree 100%. It's been a long time since I've felt comfortable saying that, but -- barring any freak injuries in this final pre-season game -- I'm a lot more optimistic now than I was after that 31-0 drubbing in the home finale to the Lions earlier this year.
Leatherhead
August 27, 2019 at 05:03 pm
I'm generally pretty optimistic about the roster. The last time I said "Our roster is shaky" was 1999 (the Ray Rhodes year). We had problems at both tackle spots and the TE.
But for the last several years I did not think we could put 5 DBs on the field who could cover and tackle. This year, I think we do.
flackcatcher
August 27, 2019 at 07:12 pm
Packers did, but were gone due to injury by the 5-6 game of the season. (The Dallas-Viking swing in 2017 wiped out an entire DB starting core unit. Never recovered. Forcing Gute to do a complete rebuild on the fly. Extremely impressive by the young GM to date.)
EdsLaces
August 27, 2019 at 03:41 pm
Its exciting because not only do we have some players that are already pretty solid, but we have some young guys comin up that have a ton of potential!
Coldworld
August 28, 2019 at 09:16 am
Right, not limiting ourselves to the hope of adequacy. Too often we had a bunch of young players we hoped would be serviceable. With this 90, even players like Sullivan and Ento have done things that hint at the ability to actually be good.
greengold
August 28, 2019 at 10:21 am
Yeah, OS, I feel the same way.
I really can’t wait for my fellow fans here to see Darnell Savage at FS. He was the #1 player I was hoping GB would draft. When Gutes went up and traded to take him, I was dumbfounded, elated.
Savage will become a very special player for us.
The entire secondary is loaded to the hilt, top to bottom, with talent we haven’t seen in quite a while. With the pass rush Gutes has added? Oh, my. Look out!
Opposing Os are going to S themselves before too long.
Hopefully, Kevin King can realize his dreams this year, and can stay healthy, as well as the rest of our Packers team. If we stay healthy, we could be expanding our trophy case...
jeremyjjbrown
August 27, 2019 at 10:33 am
This looks great for use against hurry up offenses.
wildbill
August 27, 2019 at 10:38 am
I hope we keep six corners as they are prone to injuries and we seem to have a lot of talent in our group and hate to see any cut loose
greengold
August 27, 2019 at 12:22 pm
I want us to keep 7! Makes perfect sense, given the large number of DBs that play the majority of each game in today's NFL.
What I really like is Pettine & LaFleur have combined the CB and S rooms together. They are all DBs. They are all interchangeable. They all will know their assignments, and their teammates' assignments far more readily. That was a very smart move.
As things stand, even Chandon Sullivan has played S and is comfortable there. I do not doubt that either. Smart.
jannesbjornson
August 27, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Seven makes more sense.
PatrickGB
August 27, 2019 at 07:47 pm
I like the idea of lots of DBs but that means less players at another positions. Every time I read about keeping an extra player or two at a certain position it means that there is less at another position that someone has said we need there. For example seven WRs, three QBs, five RBs, Four/five TEs and so forth. Gutie said not just the best 53, he wants the best 53 for the team. It’s going to be a tough decision and will be second guessed.
dobber
August 28, 2019 at 08:01 am
If they consider TWill to be their 4th safety until Campbell is ready to play, it makes room at CB for another player. If Campbell stays on the PUP, it will be week 6 before he starts practicing. I'll all but guarantee that making an IR move at that point to make room for him will not be hard.
greengold
August 28, 2019 at 10:51 am
Ding Ding Ding! We have a winner!
No doubt, dobber! The versatility component will pay enormous dividends in deciding our final 53.
Tramon is a great example, allowing us to keep 3 Safeties in Amos, Savage & Greene. Madison is another example, with the versatility to play all OL positions if needed, even though he is now a raw talent. The funny thing is, Cole Madison might be a benefactor of our depth elsewhere. His versatility is highly sought after in the NFL. While he may not be ready to be that guy now, that instant contributor, he very well might be by week 13... keeping a player like that for use later is important in these roster cuts.
Many have pointed to Fackrell in coverage, and I can buy some of that. He’s a motivated player. Both Shepherd and Davis doubling as returners. Even an outlier like Markus Jones, an OLB, and the NCAA leader in sacks and pressures, albeit Div II, has an uncanny ability on STs to block kicks. Set an NCAA record blocking 7 as a Freshman.
There are plenty of others, but that versatility allows us to choose lean at one position while stacking another. Nice.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 28, 2019 at 06:01 pm
I agree with Dobber. Campbell would be on PUP, not IR, so he can come back after 6 games, and it does not count as one of the team's two recalls from IR.
I wonder if Gute likes Greg Roberts sufficiently to put him on PUP. He would not be exposed to waivers, would not count against the 53, but he would have to be paid the NFL minimum.
TarynsEyes
August 27, 2019 at 10:54 am
Versatility is awesome and even more awesome if they can all play to levels needed in each position designated. Like playing a pick-4 lottery ticket in combo because you know those 4 numbers will be chosen regardless of order they come.
With that, I'm still optimistic for a better than has been team which means I'm still buying the 9 win season at worst....even if Boyle plays 2-4 games because I believe he can be .500 QB for us in a short term now.
Since'61
August 27, 2019 at 11:01 am
First play with a sense of urgency. Second, confuse and disrupt the QB. Third, regardless of the defensive formation the tackling must improve.
If Pettine can get those three things done the defense will be improved. Add in solid situational football and minimize stupid penalties so that we don’t beat ourselves.
Finally but probably most importantly stay healthy.
Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since ‘61
RWood832
August 27, 2019 at 12:25 pm
Beat the man across from you.
Wrap up when you attempt to tackle and take the man either to the field or to the sideline.
Don't stop moving your feet.
Be assignment sure. Blake basically said recently, do your job so I don't have to help you do it. We would both be out of position which dooms the defense.
Don't use your helmet as a weapon.
Absolutely NO taunting penalties!!
jannesbjornson
August 27, 2019 at 01:05 pm
Gang tackle. Swarm to the ball. Do not be an observer.
kevgk
August 27, 2019 at 01:45 pm
I always hate seeing players dive and whiff and leaving the guy behind him on a one-on-one. It is so much safer to just get in their way and slow the rusher down while reinforcements come
CheesyTex
August 27, 2019 at 11:08 am
Right on, Taryn.
Hope the Colts believe Kizer might develop under Reich and swing a trade.
rememberWhitehurst
August 27, 2019 at 11:46 am
I've seen this sentiment a few times in different forums. I think you'd have to look really hard to find any league personnel people who would view Kizer as a better prospect than Jacoby Brissett. The Colts already have their developmental prospect.
dobber
August 28, 2019 at 08:08 am
I don't think he'd be able to leapfrog Brissett, but for him to have value in trade, he just needs to be viewed as better insurance than Philip Walker or Chad Kelly. I've seen a couple doofuses linking Brian Hoyer to the Colts, but there's not been any substantiated connection there.
Keep in mind that the Colts were--until Luck stepped out of the building--one of the top teams in the AFC. They've got a season and SB hopes to try to salvage. I think they'll make a move.
ShooterMcGee
August 27, 2019 at 12:09 pm
The 1 guy in these formations I dont see having an impact is Kyler Fackrell. He always looks over-matched or out of position. I beleive his 10 and a half sacks were a fluke, mainly just effort while the QB's were holdng the ball too long. We will see a difference with both Smiths on the edge.
PackerAaron
August 27, 2019 at 12:20 pm
I hear what you're saying on Fackrell, but hard to say 10 sacks are a "fluke." They def came in bunches (Buffalo and Seattle) but hustling to get the QB on the ground shouldn't come with a demerit. Also, check out his sack of Goff last year. Beats a very good tackle off the edge. He's not a Pro Bowler or anything, and he's had a lackluster camp, but hell, he looked the same last summer then led the team in sacks. He's valuable depth, if nothing else.
Since'61
August 27, 2019 at 12:25 pm
I think the fact that Fackrell led the team in sacks says more about the rest of the defensive roster that it does for Fackrell. We’ll see how he does this season. Thanks, Since ‘61
greengold
August 27, 2019 at 12:40 pm
Yes. Yes. My grandmother might have been able to get 3 sacks against BUF last year...
Coldworld
August 27, 2019 at 12:43 pm
Pettine used disguises and misdirection to open channels for Fackrell. Fackrell has enough speed and burst to take advantage of those. That plus his ability to drop into cover is his value. He won’t create many sacks through one on one dominance unless it’s against a very athletically limited lineman.
Barazinho
August 27, 2019 at 04:15 pm
Fackrell beat Duane Brown with a power move in the Seattle game. Another was a free rush (and Buffalo's were against 2nd and 3rd string tackles). So it's a mixed bag, but he at least showed he was capable of beating a tackle with something other than speed.
Coldworld
August 28, 2019 at 09:22 am
I wouldn’t take bets on the power move happening regularly. Fackrell has looked horrible doing that before and in camp. That’s not his strong suit, but he has to do some to keep Ds honest. That time it worked: bonus.
Fackrell is a situational player not a lemon. As such he is likely to do well against certain opposition and in certain defensive call types. He did very well last year within that context and I don’t see why he won’t be good again. I do not see him ever being a starting caliber 3 down OLB. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have value.
dobber
August 28, 2019 at 08:12 am
For the number of pressures and QB hits he had, he had a ridiculous number turn into sacks. Basically, when he got close to the QB, the QB fell down (OK, that's an exaggeration, but you get what I mean). We can point to Pettine and say that he knew how to use Fackrell--who was the prime beneficiary in snaps when Perry got hurt--but there's no way a regression isn't coming here.
marpag1
August 27, 2019 at 10:02 pm
"hustling to get the QB on the ground shouldn't come with a demerit. "
Totally agree on this. The real ding against Fackrell is not that he's a 'try hard guy' (he should be commended for that) but that he produced so few pressures outside of those 10 sacks. That's concerning, IMO.
The cliche "take what the opponent gives you" gets a lot of play on this board, especially when people are talking about the offense. But really, first rate defenders are the ones who are able to 'take what the offense ain't giving you.' I don't think Fackrell can generate much on his own, or impose his will, and certainly no opponent even bothers to scheme against him. He can clean up now and then if the offense leaves him 1on1 because they're sliding towards Clark, etc. Fackrell is pedestrian because he can't do anything more than "take what the offense gives him."
Still, valuable depth, as you said.
dobber
August 28, 2019 at 08:13 am
I've never understood why people get down on players for making the plays that are there to be made.
Coldworld
August 28, 2019 at 08:53 am
Yes, he is a piece in the puzzle, but he is not as big a piece as last year suggests if you just look at the stats.
marpag1
August 28, 2019 at 06:52 pm
I'm not down on a guy for making the plays that are there. I'm saying that if you want to be something more than a JAG, you need to create plays that aren't there.
greengold
August 27, 2019 at 12:36 pm
I'm with you Shooter on the Fackrell thing. Was totally disappointed he did not make a year 1- year 2 jump. He did year 2-3, but I agree, his numbers came in bunches... and, the guy still got manhandled in his year 3.
From what I've gleaned in TC reports, and from watching the preseason games, he's looked good. The guy does have speed, and I thought he impressed v. OAK.
Figure, the guy came into the NFL undersized, as nearly all edge rushers do, and it can take a good 1-3 years before you realize the true potential of the player at this level - the real "development" part. We might be seeing that materialize this year, or, maybe we don't.
Why am I still not sold on Kyler Fackrell? I'm thinking he could be the 1st player cut that might surprise people. I do think Randy Ramsey, Markus Jones or Reggie Gilbert could prove to be better overall players. This is no doubt a Bubble Battle Royale.
Coldworld
August 28, 2019 at 09:32 am
I think Fackrell will stay. The question is will any of the above be in the rotation as well. Ramsey is a smaller speed rush type. Perhaps he has potential, but I have yet to see it. Gilbert is bigger and less of a speed player. Markus Jones is intriguing. He could be a dark horse who wins the final spot on Thursday as could Ramsey. Jones is the one who has flashed for me though.
That would mean that Smiths, Gary, Fackrell and one of Jones/Ramsey/Gilbert make the roster. 5 is probably ideal as Z Smith and Gary will be playing with their hands down a lot. That only leaves 3 pure OLBs, one of whom, P is a starter.
Keep in mind that the OLB they gave the most money to of all UDFA, Roberts, has never come if PUP. He may be a PS addition later if recovered.
kevgk
August 27, 2019 at 12:36 pm
I thought he was pretty decent in coverage, and provides probably the best coverage guy opposite of Preston Smith. Either can play OLB coverage duties in anything from a 4-3, 3-4, or some odd modern front, and theyre both probably faster than Z or Gary. Drop them into coverage for a couple snaps, then set up a stunt to blitz them and their speed can force easy sacks, which was what got Fackrell most of his sacks.
The traditional OLB is more of a zone defender that would blitz than line up to pass rush, and thats the mold I see Fackrell and Preston Smith fulfilling than engaging with linemen every down.
Coldworld
August 27, 2019 at 12:45 pm
I believe Pettine has spoken implying that coverage ability was Fackrell’s primary focus and attribute as far as he was concerned.
Lare
August 27, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Times that I've keyed in on Fackrell this preseason he has cut inside on almost every single play giving up the edge for opposing teams to get big gains. If he isn't going to hold the edge, the Packers need to make sure someone else is.
greengold
August 27, 2019 at 01:00 pm
That's what has concerned me. He still shows his propensity to struggle to shed blockers.
I don't know. The light goes on, maybe? He does offer size with speed, and he's willing in coverage.
dobber
August 28, 2019 at 08:17 am
IMO Fackrell is a classic tweener and needs to play in space to be at his best. He's not going to hold the edge with any regularity against NFL OTs, He's not going to line up at DE or DT and give you a rush. He's a movable piece that can play on passing downs at OLB when Za puts his hand on the ground, at ILB as a blitzer, or even ILB in base if the DL can keep him clean, but he's not a prototypical edge. I still think he's best suited to be a WLB in an even front, but even though he's athletic, he's probably not athletic enough for that.
Coldworld
August 28, 2019 at 08:59 am
He didn’t hold the edge last year. He wasn’t asked to. There is a reason he broke out: he was used in specific ways and not in others.
Pettine has made it clear that they are asking different things from the OLBs than they will in season, so I have no idea what his assignments were this preseason.
I suspect that the season will see him used a lot as the OLB in coverage or space, interspersed with rushes: same as last year. Pettine made him work then, I see no reason to assume he can’t this year, though perhaps less often. He is a role player not a starter, a situational piece not a 3 down player.
jannesbjornson
August 27, 2019 at 01:08 pm
Fackrell earned his pelts. He can be used Inside in some of Matthews looks.
Use all your assets.
ThxJackVainisi
August 27, 2019 at 01:34 pm
If coverage is Fackrell's #1 attribute, I wonder how he'd do next to Martinez as Herman shows in the last example, only in the base D.
Coldworld
August 28, 2019 at 09:36 am
I think you will see him their occasionally, but his kind of coverage and athleticism is not the same as that they covet in Burks/Bolton who are smaller and more agile.
greengold
August 27, 2019 at 12:56 pm
The "VERSATILITY" which has been the new mantra of 1265 Lombardi Ave. was laid out plain to see here, Andrew Herman. Well done.
Man, did they ever go for it in these terms, and I strongly believe we will be seeing the fruits of those two offseasons of labors by Gutekunst and his Personnel Dept. this season, in spades. This might take a while to materialize in the manner we all would want, but, I'm willing to be patient and witness the development of Mike Pettine's defense. Brian Gutekunst went all in, and I think we will all be grateful for that once we see it, especially if we can stay healthy enough to take back the Lombardi Trophy. I do think that is coming.
This is the perfect marriage of a smart, innovative young HC, a highly motivated, HOF QB with a boatload of talent around him, and a DC who finally has the pieces he has been needing to make his defense work.
It is going to be really fun to see this Packers defense switch to any number of alignments without changing personnel this season. Smart talent acquisition. Gotta give Mike Pettine credit too. He's an innovator on defense, and we just may be witnessing something very special here in Green Bay this year.
ShooterMcGee
August 28, 2019 at 11:36 am
That is very well said Greengold. I like the way you thnk.
EddieLeeIvory
August 27, 2019 at 02:04 pm
I have a lot of faith in Pettine. He knows his stuff.
I have less faith in Kevin King & Josh Jackson.
Jackson can't man-up without grabbing & King is hurt nonstop.
Cheezdik
August 27, 2019 at 05:04 pm
May as well cut King. He is weak as @#*! even when he is healthy. Got abused by Golladay.
greengold
August 27, 2019 at 02:14 pm
I honestly believe they are just being smart with Kevin King, knowing that if they can keep him healthy this year, he could contribute significantly to the Packers success.
Preseason is meaningless. The guy had setbacks last year with the groin and hamstring, and they didn't want the hamstring to be an issue this season.
The Packers are doing what they can, and I believe King is too. Give the guy a chance. He's just a gifted 6-3 200 lb CB. With a healthy Jaire Alexander and a healthy Kevin King opposite, we will be tough to throw on, especially with Amos and Savage flying around back there, PLUS a pass rush.
Lphill
August 27, 2019 at 02:26 pm
Ty Summers could be on this list I believe he has played several positions as well.
Cheezdik
August 27, 2019 at 05:05 pm
Yeah he showed why he is a seventh round pick. He sucks.
Coldworld
August 28, 2019 at 09:01 am
Lol, you clearly have no clue. It’s not him who sucks.
Cheezdik
August 27, 2019 at 05:02 pm
Dump Kizer, Crawford, Jamerson, and especially Redmond. Lousy tacklers. The Packers should fire Mark Murphy is the defense sucks again. The guy has had plenty of time to fix this train wreck. Mark Murphy should be ashamed for letting Gary wear Matthews Hall of Fame jersey.
greengold
August 27, 2019 at 05:13 pm
Hey, sunshine!
ThxJackVainisi
August 27, 2019 at 06:39 pm
Cheezdik: "The Packers should fire Mark Murphy is the defense sucks again." Here's a clue: The season hasn't started so you don't know whether or not the D sucks. But we all know your comment does.
flackcatcher
August 27, 2019 at 07:40 pm
Mark Murphy has no say in front office personal decisions, and is time limited on his contract as President. This is Gute's show as GM now. Pettine wanted a certain body type for his defensive system and Gute's FA signings and UDFA and drafted point to that. We saw what the Packer defense could do when healthy last year. I am still wondering how many DB will be on the roster this season.
Oppy
August 28, 2019 at 08:51 pm
Clay Matthews is a twat.
Yeah, I said it.
Lphill
August 27, 2019 at 09:42 pm
Seems the Vikings trolls have infiltrated this site , more this year than ever , it just goes to show how worried they are that the Packers have improved, which they have.
Coldworld
August 28, 2019 at 09:06 am
Yes, I don’t see what the Vikings have to be excited about. I think Zimmer feeling the need to run up scores in a pre-season game speaks volumes. One only sees that kind of thing in teams and coaches that have lack confidence normally.